“Why die?” said Conacher patiently. “We’re offering you a chance to live!”
“I cannot do it!”
“You have the easiest part of all,” Loseis pointed out.
“We have told them that you are dead and buried,” said Conacher laughing. “Whether they believe it or not, they’re not going to bother about you until they catch Loseis and me. We have only got to run from the door to the corner of the house. There’s not one chance in a hundred they can get us in that space if we run abreast. Once around the corner we are out of range until they can get out of the house.”
After long persuasion, Mary-Lou agreed to try it.
“Now listen,” said Conacher, with an appearance of great cheerfulness; “here’s the plan. At the corner of the house we divide. Loseis and I run down to the flat, and strike for my dug-out, while you hit directly into the woods behind this house. You are to make your way entirely around the Post by the side hill, and cross the creek, and make your way as best you can to the Slavi village. Take your time to it. If you get there by to-morrow night it will do. When it is dark to-morrow night take three horses . . .”
“But not my horse,” put in Loseis. “She is too well known.”
“Three horses,” resumed Conacher; “and as much grub as Tatateecha will let you have. . . .”
“They have plenty of smoked meat and smoked fish,” said Loseis.
“What place can I appoint for a meeting?” asked Conacher of Loseis.